FAQs: How Long Should My Dishwasher Last?

Dishwashers have become an indispensable part of modern kitchens, offering convenience and efficiency. But at RDO, we’re often asked the same question: How long will my dishwasher last? In this article, we delve into the average lifespan of dishwashers, the factors that affect their longevity, and tips for prolonging their life.

Average Lifespan of a Dishwasher

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is approximately 8-10 years. However, the longevity of your appliance can vary based on multiple factors such as usage, brand, and maintenance.

How Usage Impacts Lifespan

If you use your dishwasher multiple times a day, be prepared for a shorter lifespan. Allow me to illustrate this with some arithmetic, using Miele dishwashers as a case study.

Miele is a brand that sets itself apart with rigorous testing standards. All of their appliances are tested to last for an equivalent of 20 years. In terms of dishwashers, this equates to 5,600 cycles, or 5 cycles a week for 50 weeks each year over 20 years.

Now, let's say you ramp up that usage to 7 cycles a week for 50 weeks a year. According to Miele's test conditions, this would translate to an expected lifespan of 16 years. It may not sound like much, but that's a 20% reduction in lifespan, just from adding two extra cycles per week.

To put it bluntly, the more you use it, the quicker it wears out. This example underscores how even a small increase in usage can significantly shorten your dishwasher's life.

So, the moral of the story is moderation. If you're on the lighter side of usage, you're not just saving water and energy; you're also adding years to your appliance's life.

How Lifespans Vary Across Brands

There are various reasons for the differences in expected lifespan across brands, but the key points are:  

1. Quality of Materials: Premium brands often use high-quality materials that are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. For example, stainless steel interiors are generally more durable than plastic ones. The quality of other components, like motors and pumps, also tends to be higher in premium models.
2. Testing: As we've discussed with the example of Miele, higher-end brands often subject their appliances to stringent testing procedures. This rigorous quality control means that the product you get has already been proven to last under a variety of conditions.
3. Features: Premium dishwashers often come with features designed to enhance longevity, such as soil sensors that ensure the machine only runs as long as necessary, thus reducing wear on the motor and pump. Self-cleaning filters and more efficient jets can also contribute to a longer lifespan.
4. Better Engineering: High-end brands often invest more in R&D, resulting in better engineering solutions. This can manifest in the form of more efficient designs that are less taxing on the machine's components, ultimately leading to a longer-lasting product.
5. Customer Support and Warranties: Premium brands usually offer more comprehensive customer support and longer warranty periods. This not only reflects the company's confidence in its product but also means you're likely to replace parts or repair the machine before considering a complete replacement.

We have decades of experience selling dishwashers, so thought it would be interesting to get our appliance experts in a room and debate the lifespans you can expect from different dishwasher brands - this is what we came up with:  

• Zenith dishwashers: 6 years
• Hotpoint dishwashers: 6-7 years
• Beko dishwashers: 7 years
• Zanussi dishwashers: 8 years
• Blomberg dishwashers: 9 years
• AEG dishwashers: 10 years
• Neff dishwashers: 10-12 years
• Bosch dishwashers: 10-12 years
• Siemens dishwashers: 10-12 years
• Fisher & Paykel dishwashers: 15 years
• Miele dishwashers: 20 years

We agreed that, as a general rule, dishwashers with a 1 year warranty should be avoided. In our opinion, this poor warranty period reflects the brands confidence in its own product. So, if possible, get yourself a dishwasher with a 5 year warranty. 

The Importance of Maintenance

Just as you wouldn't expect a car to last long without servicing, the same logic applies to your dishwasher. Maintenance is critical for ensuring that your appliance serves you well over the long term.

It might not be the most riveting read, but your dishwasher's instruction manual is a goldmine of information on maintenance. It will provide you with specific tips on how best to use and maintain your appliance, as suggested by the people who manufactured it.

But if the thought of that sends you to sleep, here are some easy maintenance tips:

1. Clean the Filters Regularly: Blocked filters can reduce efficiency and cause damage.
2. Inspect the Spray Arms: Ensure they are not clogged, as this can affect the cleaning performance.
3. Check the Door Seal: A worn-out seal can cause leaks, leading to potential damage.
4. Run a Cleaning Cycle: At least once a month, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove limescale and grease.

For more handy tips, be sure to check out our dishwasher maintenance guide. 

Conclusion

Your dishwasher's longevity is influenced by its brand, usage, and most importantly, maintenance. Regardless of your budget, taking the time to understand your appliance, keeping up with regular maintenance, and consulting the instruction manual can significantly prolong its lifespan. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

So, whether you're investing in a top-of-the-range Miele or a more budget-friendly Beko, proper care is the key to getting the most out of your dishwasher.